As part of our partnership with The National Trust and other local groups, it was a pleasure to welcome a number of local environmental leaders for a panel presentation and Q and A session. Alex Brocklesby, National Trust Project Officer & Children/Young People Lead at the Purbeck Engagement Team, Rosie Tanner, Marketing Director of Land & Wave, Hannah, Countryside Ranger at Durlston, James Warren, Manager of The Salt Pig and our own Paula Dale, Support Services Manager, introduced their backgrounds and interest in leading local initiatives, and then answered a series of thought-provoking questions that had been generated by our latest cohort of Year 12 Environmental Leaders. They were also joined by the lower school Leadership Team.

Everyone attending benefited from the discussion of questions covering leadership challenges and  most rewarding moments; the key qualities that constitute effective environmental leaders; how we might balance tourism and economic development with protecting Dorset's outstanding natural landscapes; the effectiveness of Land and Wave’s inspiring Female Adventure Grant and James’ Salt Pig menu preferences, amongst many other things.

As Alex reflected afterwards, ‘This was impactful, significant and powerful’. Such was the success of the event that we are already planning to make this an annual occasion.